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LT Overton update: Why Alabama DL was ruled out for SEC title game

1918632_10206777287683070_1367905321192383146_nby: Charlie Potter7 hours agoCharlie_Potter

Alabama defensive end LT Overton was included on Wednesday’s initial availability report, and the senior was ruled out for Saturday’s SEC Championship Game matchup with Georgia.

On Thursday, head coach Kalen DeBoer provided an update on Overton, while also revealing that another defensive lineman is dealing with the same issue ahead of Saturday’s game.

“We do have two players that have illnesses, medical issues, whatever you wanna call it, LT Overton and Kelby Collins,” DeBoer told reporters. “They won’t be available for this game.”

DeBoer was later asked if the illnesses are expected to be long-term issues for both players.

“Just trying to get through these next couple days here and kind of see,” DeBoer said. “Obviously, Kelby’s just popped up here, too, and LT’s yesterday. So just trying to get through this weekend and kind of see where that’s at. We’ll understand more details when that time comes.”

Overton played in and started all 12 of the Crimson Tide’s regular-season games at the Bandit position along the defensive line. The former Texas A&M transfer tallied 35 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks in those 12 contests. Overton ranks second on the Alabama defense in both sacks and tackles for loss. According to Pro Football Focus, he has generated 25 total pressures this season and has only produced two games with zero pressures.

Collins has played in all 12 of Alabama’s games after transferring from Florida this offseason. The Gardendale native has recorded 11 tackles, two tackles for loss and one tackle this fall.

With Overton ruled out for the SEC Championship Game, the Tide is left with Jordan Renaud, Keon Keeley and Fatutoa Henry at the Bandit position. Renaud has played in all 12 games, Keeley has played in nine and Henry has played in five. Keeley has registered 1.5 sacks this season, his third at Alabama, while Renaud and Henry have half a tackle for loss.

DeBoer also mentioned some of the Wolf linebackers when asked about replacing Overton.

“Fortunately, throughout the year, we’ve rotated a lot across the board on our team, but defensively in particular,” DeBoer said. “The guys that have rotated with LT, and fortunately, Qua Russaw, also, when you talk about the edge position, he’s played the last couple of games. And so, we’ll get more reps for him. He’s ready for it. 

“Yhonzae (Pierre) will continue to ramp up his load. And so, we have guys that have played a lot of snaps that will continue to just play the role that they’ve been playing, maybe a few more snaps that they’ll get.”

The SEC Championship Game is set for a 3 p.m. CT kickoff (ABC) on Saturday, Dec. 6.

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